coward

coward — noun

1. a person who lacks the bravery to face danger, pain, or difficulty, especially w

1.nounB1
Definition

a person who lacks the bravery to face danger, pain, or difficulty, especially when other people would expect them to be brave

Example

Jason called him a coward for refusing to jump into the cold river.

call someone a coward

Anong admitted she had been a coward and apologized for staying silent.

admit (to) being a coward

Common collocations
  • call someone a coward
  • feel like a coward
  • act of a coward
  • branded a coward
  • no coward
Synonyms
  • wimp

    informal, less severe, often about mild physical or emotional weakness

  • chicken

    very informal, childish, used especially among children or in lighthearted contexts

  • scaredy-cat

    informal, childish, least serious and often affectionate

Antonyms
  • hero

    someone admired for bravery and noble qualities

  • brave person

    direct opposite; someone who faces danger without fear

Grammar Patterns

used after 'call someone a ~'

used after 'feel like a ~'

Usage Note

This is a strong insult when directed at someone. Use 'coward' as a countable noun — you need an article: 'He is a coward', not 'He is coward.' The adjective form 'cowardly' is less harsh and can be used before a noun: 'a cowardly act.'

Common Mistakes

Don't be coward.
Don't be a coward.
coward is a countable noun and needs an article when used as a complement.
He is such a coward person.
He is such a coward.
coward is already a noun; adding 'person' is redundant and ungrammatical.
Idioms

Noël Coward

idiom

Sir Noël Peirce Coward (1899–1973), a celebrated English actor, playwright, and composer known for witty comedies. NOTE: This is a proper name (a famous person whose surname is Coward), not an idiomatic expression involving the word 'coward'.

The play 'Private Lives' was written by Noël Coward in 1930.

Noël Coward wrote more than fifty plays over his long career.

Word family

  • cowardly
    adjectiveB1
  • cowardice
    nounB2
  • cowardliness
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe someone who lacks courage, but they differ in seriousness and formality. 'Coward' is the strongest and most direct term — it is a real insult that accuses someone of moral weakness or dishonorable fear. 'Wimp' is informal and less severe; it suggests physical or emotional softness rather than outright cowardice and is often used teasingly. 'Chicken' is childish and very informal, common in playground taunts ('You're chicken!') but almost never used in serious adult contexts. 'Scaredy-cat' is the mildest and most affectionate term, used almost exclusively with young children. In formal writing or serious situations, only 'coward' is appropriate — calling a politician 'a coward' is a strong accusation, whereas calling them 'a chicken' would sound childish and unconvincing.

coward ↗wimp ↗chicken ↗scaredy-cat

Common collocations

Phrases

  • coward's way out
  • act of a coward
  • coward's death

Etymology

Old FrenchEnglish

The word 'coward' entered English from Old French 'cuard,' which combined 'coe' (meaning tail) with the suffix '-ard' (a negative ending). The image comes from a frightened animal tucking its tail between its legs before running away. So a coward was literally 'a tailed one' — someone who shows their fear and turns to flee instead of standing their ground.